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Associate Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Provide systems engineering support and perform required engineering activities for government clients in the aviation industry * Record and track system requirements and provide assistance in the ...

Design Engineer Associate 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

The Engineer provides system programming and management support for large scale networking infrastructures. The responsibilities include the administration and maintenance of high performance ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$42.9K

$85.4K

$136.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $85,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,700.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate engineer?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What are some typical challenges associate engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

How much does an associate engineer get paid?

An associate engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What can I do with an associate engineer's degree in engineering?

An associate engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles such as technician, assistant engineer, or project support staff. These positions often involve tasks like drafting, testing, data analysis, and using tools like CAD software, with opportunities for on-the-job training and certification to advance in engineering fields.

What is the salary of an associate engineer?

The salary of an associate engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Associate Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,427 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Software Test Engineer, Associate (Engineer Software Quality 1) - 29972

Columbia, MD • On-site

Huntington Ingalls Industries
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$63K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 77,110 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Software Test Engineer, Associate (Engineer Software Quality 1)

Location: Columbia, MD, Maryland, United States

Required Travel: 11 - 25%

Employment Type:Full Time/Salaried/Exempt

Anticipated Salary Range:$63,292.00-$95,000.00

Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain

Level of Experience:College

This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.

HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes—regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:

  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.

Job Description

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, is seeking a highly motivated Software Test Engineer, Associate to join our team. The role operates in our Columbia, MD location and supports critical national security missions.

The software test team is responsible for ensuring the reliability, security and meeting the requirements for customer of the Minotaur Mission Processor.

The Minotaur Mission Processor (or Minotaur Mission System/Suite) is a cutting-edge, government-owned mission management software suite and system architecture. Its core function is to integrate and fuse multiple sensor and data sources—including radar, cameras, and communications equipment to create asingle, common operating picture (COP).

  • Test Planning
  • Writing Test Cases
  • Automation Scripting
  • Test Data Management
  • Test Execution
  • Bug Reporting
  • Regression Testing
  • Userability Testing

Why Mission Technologies?

  • Generous 401K Match Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Floating Holidays
  • Wellness Programs
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Mentorship and Coaching
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment that promotes a healthy climate
  • Devise and apply testing procedures for both HII’s Minotaur product and from outside vendors.
  • Review software requirements and prepare test scenarios.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide input on requirements, product design, and potential problems.
  • Test creation, development, execution, and closure.
  • Analyze test results on database impacts, errors or bugs, and usability.
  • Perform moderately complex analysis and troubleshooting.
  • Design of both manual and automated test procedures.
  • Prepare reports on all aspects related to software testing carried out and reporting to the design team.
  • Support system integration events on various aircraft during ground/flight tests.
  • Potential to fly on aircraft to support system integration, test, and operator training
  • Willing to travel between 10-20% of the time.
  • Application of the principles, practices, and procedures used in test engineering.
Minimum Qualifications

0 years experience with Bachelors in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years relevant experience.

Technical Skills and Additional Requirements:

  • Bachelors Degree in Software, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
  • Demonstrated experience working within a Linux environment
  • Scripting experience in Python, Bash or a related language
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US level Secret clearance
Preferred Requirements
  • An active US level Secret clearance
Physical Requirements

May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.

Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division. Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you.

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance?

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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